Council provides security for Slough women
Slough Borough Council has announced that the contract of the Slough Sanctuary Scheme, available for survivors of domestic violence, will be moving to its Home Improvement Agency.
The scheme, launched in 2004, was originally contracted out to a private company. It provides additional security measures, such as window locks, door mortice bolts and window grilles to the homes of any survivor of domestic violence.
This enables them to stay in their home and feel safe, rather than having to move and endure the upheaval involved in moving.
Slough Children are also affected by domestic violence and abuse, often witnessing or hearing incidents, so may also have to leave their home, school or familiar environment. This adds to the distress already experienced from violence and abuse.
The move to the Home Improvement Agency aims to reduce the cost of work carried out, ensuring more homes can be adapted as well as improving multi-agency work within Slough.
Domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East, Sophie Crowe, said: “This is good news for the council and those who are currently in abusive and violent relationships in the borough.
“We are continuously striving to improve the service we provide, and this is a step in the right direction.
“By working with the Home Improvement Agency we hope to be able to secure more homes.”
Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, said: “This is a very difficult issue to tackle effectively, but the council, along with Thames Valley Police has already proved how dedicated they are in doing this.
“The move to the Home Improvement Agency is a positive one, and by working together, we can improve the wellbeing of survivors.”
The scheme was developed in partnership with Thames Valley Police, Slough Borough Council and agencies within the domestic violence forum. It is funded by the council’s homeless strategy and is available for anyone living in Slough where the perpetrator is no longer living in the property. In some circumstances it may not be safe for the client to remain in the property, regardless of additional security installed.
For more information on the scheme, you can contact:
* Slough Domestic Violence Unit, 01753 506314
* Slough Borough Council Housing – Homeless Section, 01753 787854
* People 1st Slough, 01753 875491
Slough Borough Council